After more than 17 years of stewardship, YHA Australia has listed the YHA Alice Springs for sale, marking the next phase in the organisation’s ongoing strategic re-alignment.

CBRE’s Hayley Manvell and Taylor Morris have been appointed to exclusively manage the Expressions of Interest process.

The campaign follows CBRE’s successful sales of YHA properties in Canberra, Airlie Beach, Coffs Harbour, Glebe and Perth.

The YHA Alice Springs occupies a 2,040 sqm freehold parcel of land in the centre of Alice Springs, in immediate proximity to amenities, attractions, and transportation options.

Commenting on the listing, CBRE Hotels Director, Hayley Manvell said, “The YHA Alice Springs is located at the gateway to Australia’s Red Centre, offering unparalleled access to Central Australia’s iconic cultural landmarks, including Uluru, Kata Tjuta/The Olgas, and Kings Canyon. This location is not only a tourist destination, but also the main economic, business, and service hub of the region, underpinned by mining, tourism, and primary industries. It also services parts of South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland.”

Steeped in history, the property was originally constructed in 1942 as the Pioneer Walk-In Theatre and was later renamed the Snow Kenna’s Walk-In Picture Theatre. Its storied past as a cultural landmark adds a distinctive dimension to its appeal.

Today, the property stands as a popular backpacker accommodation asset, including 108 beds across 22 rooms. The hostel features a range of amenities including a reception area, back office, communal kitchen, dining space, lounge, games room, swimming pool, BBQ area, large outdoor movie screen, guest laundry, separate in-house laundry and storage facilities.

CBRE’s Senior Negotiator Taylor Morris said, “With its Central Business zoning, the property offers tremendous flexibility for an incoming purchaser to continue operations as a backpacker hostel, orconsider a variety of alternative uses.”

Ms Manvell noted in the 12-months ending March 2024, the Northern Territory welcomed 1.58 million visitors who contributed approximately $2.69 billion to the region’s economy, an indicator of the popularity of the area as a significant tourist destination.

“We have seen increasing interest from both local and interstate high-net-worth investors, who recognisethe value proposition that regional hubs like Alice Springs offer.

“This opportunity offers a combination of historical significance, prime location, and diverse future possibilities ensuring it will attract a wide array of prospective buyers eager to capitalise on the upside potential of this landmark asset,’ Ms Manvell added.